Victorian 18k Gold Chased Floral Band

A lushly romantic late Victorian gold band, chased and engraved with continuous tendrils of ivy and morning glory, fully hallmarked for solid 18k gold and the Chester assay office. Originally intended to be a wedding band, the repeating ivy symbolizes steadfast fidelity and constancy of affection, as the plant is a clinging vine (and thus, the message
“I cling to thee!”) as well as an evergreen for which color would not change winter nor spring. The convolvulus morning glories represent tender love in accordance with Victorian floriography.

Of a lovely buttery high-carat tone, this ring makes for a lovely stacking or guard ring. It is quite similar to a late Victorian chased band (also decorated with ivy) presented to Vivien Leigh by Sir Laurence Olivier (refer to photo 7).

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Description

Date: 1890-1900s, late Victorian – Edwardian era

Size: USA 8.75, UK Q 1/2, 58.5 (resizing not recommended due to the continuous decorations)

Material: solid 18k yellow gold (marked and tested)

Weight: 5.2 grams

Marks:
– [Crown 18] for solid 18k gold
– [Three bushels of wheat within a shield] for the Chester assay office
– [cursive J?] year stamp defective and illegible; possibly a cursive J for 1909
– [JG] jeweler’s initials, possibly for John Gammage

Width of band: 6 – 6.2 mm

Thickness of band: 1.25 mm

Condition: Aside for the defective casting of the year letter stamp, this ring is really in pristine antique condition. It has never been resized or modified, with the full set of hallmarks preserved. Chased decorations are still crisp and clear. There is expected gentle age-related surface wear to the gold.

Victorian 18k Gold Chased Floral Band

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